If chili cheese tots or a chili cheese Coney are your go-to Sonic order, this is such a fun one to make at home. The chili is thick, beefy and mild with that finer texture that works perfectly as a topping instead of feeling like a big bowl of homemade chili.

We love this one for an easy Saturday night movie meal. Make a batch, throw some tots in the air fryer and you can have chili cheese tots and Coneys on the table without spending much or doing a ton of cooking.

Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef, preferably 80/20
• 1 cup water
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon finely crushed saltine crackers, optional

Instructions

1. Add the ground beef and water to a medium saucepan over medium heat. As the beef cooks, use a potato masher or wooden spoon to break it into very fine crumbles. Continue cooking until the beef is completely cooked through. Drain only if there is an excessive amount of grease.
2. Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, cayenne pepper and yellow mustard.
3. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. For an extra thick, fast-food-style consistency, stir in the finely crushed saltine crackers during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
5. Remove from the heat and let the chili rest for about 5 minutes. It will continue to thicken slightly as it sits.

For Copycat Sonic Chili Cheese Tots

Cook frozen tater tots according to the package directions or air fry until extra crispy. Top with warm chili and plenty of finely shredded mild cheddar cheese.

For Copycat Sonic Chili Cheese Coneys

Place a cooked hot dog in a soft hot dog bun. Spoon warm chili over the hot dog and top generously with finely shredded mild cheddar cheese.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Chili only, based on 8 servings

Calories: ~190
Protein: ~13g
Net Carbs: ~5g
Fat: ~13g
Fiber: ~1g

Disclaimer: Sonic is a trademark of its respective owner. This independently created copycat recipe is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Sonic.